Kiinteistovero (Property Tax)

An annual tax on real estate in Finland, paid by property owners based on the taxable value of their land and buildings.

What it means

Kiinteistovero is the Finnish property tax levied annually on all land and buildings. The tax rate is set by each municipality within limits defined by law. It applies to all real property including residential homes, apartments (land share), commercial buildings, and undeveloped land. The taxable value is determined by the Tax Administration based on the property's characteristics, age, and location — typically well below market value. Property tax is separate from any housing company maintenance charges (vastike) that apartment owners pay.

Why it matters for internationals

If you purchase property in Finland, you will owe kiinteistovero annually. The amounts are generally modest compared to many other countries, making property ownership in Finland relatively affordable from a tax perspective. The tax bill is sent automatically by Vero based on property records, so there is no need to file a separate return. For apartment owners in a housing company (asunto-osakeyhtio), the property tax on the building and land is typically included in your maintenance charge rather than billed separately.

Key details

• •General rate: 0.93-2.00% of the taxable value for general real estate

• •Residential buildings: 0.41-1.00% for permanent residential buildings

• •Undeveloped residential land: Municipalities can apply a higher rate (up to 6%) to encourage development

• •Payment: Billed by Vero, usually due in September-November, payable in one or two installments

• •Taxable value: Typically 30-70% of market value, recalculated periodically by the Tax Administration

Related terms

• •Verotoimisto — tax office administering property tax

• •Perintovero — inheritance tax on inherited property

• •Arvonlisavero — VAT, another tax administered by Vero